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Leopards coach now rooting for Gor Mahia after Mashemeji Derby victory


After leading his charges to a sweet victory over bitter rivals Gor Mahia during last weekend’s Mashemeji Derby, AFC Leopards’ Belgium coach Patrick Aussems has said he hopes K’Ogalo can bounce back from that loss and pip leaders Tusker to the Kenyan Premier League title.

Following that 2-1 defeat to Leopards on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium, Gor Mahia now trail Tusker by a point with only four matches to the end of the season.

The brewers are perched at the top of the table with 64 points while K’Ogalo have amassed 63 points after 30 rounds of matches. The two clubs will clash on May 28 in a match which has been dubbed the title decider.

But in a strange turn of events, Aussems has publicly stated that he hopes Ingwe’s arch rivals will win the league title at Tusker’s expense.

Also read: Raila reveals discussions he had with Ruto during Mashemeji derby

“To be honest with you, I just hope Gor Mahia will get the job done against Tusker next week,” said Aussems,

Aussems doesn’t see eye-to-eye with Tusker coach Robert Matano and possibly that is why he doesn’t want the veteran gaffer to bag the title for the third time in a row.

On April 14, Matano demanded an apology from Aussems for defamatory remarks that the Belgian made about his coaching credentials.

This was after Leopards had lost to Tusker by a solitary goal goal in the dying minutes of a match that was played at the Nyayo National Stadium the previous day.

Also read: Gor Mahia fans read coach Jonathan McKinstry riot act after Leopards defeat

During that match, the two coaches almost exchanged blows with Aussems protesting calls in favour of Tusker.

Aussems’ wish notwithstanding, on paper the brewers seem to be having easier fixtures as compared to K’Ogalo as the season draws close to its conclusion.

Tusker will face the relegation threatened Wazito, Posta Rangers and the already relegated Vihiga Bullets. On the other hand, Gor Mahia still have a date with Ulinzi Stars, Kakamega Homeboyz and Nairobi City Stars.

The FKF-PL fixtures resume on May 27/28 for round 31 matches since this weekend Mozzart Bet Cup matches will be on the cards.

Also read: Ruto hands Sh1 million to AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia after Mashemeji derby